Strip arrayed gloves and dispensing apparatus

ABSTRACT

A glove dispensing system includes a dispenser housing, at least one pair of spaced-apart platen arms carried by the dispenser housing, a dispensing space between the at least one pair of platen arms, at least one glove dispensing tape in the dispenser housing, a plurality of gloves carried by the at least one glove dispensing tape and a glove dispensing mechanism in the dispenser housing and adapted to advance the glove dispensing tape from the dispenser housing into the dispensing space. The gloves individually and sequentially drop from the glove dispensing tape into an open position in the dispensing space responsive to advancing the glove dispensing tape into the dispensing space.

RELATED US PATENT APPLICATION DATA

This patent application is a Continuation-In-Part Application, which claims priority to priority to Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 12/658,109 filed on Feb. 3, 2010 and Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 12/658,110, also filed on Feb. 3, 2010, which are both incorporated in their entireties by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present disclosure generally relates to an apparatus and method of use for presentation of a sterile glove. More particularly, the present disclosure relates to a dispensing apparatus that presents, stages by expansion, and singulates a sterilized glove for placement upon a user's hand.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Because of their resilient, form-fitting nature, sterilized gloves are not easily placed upon the hands of a user without assistance from others; this renders the gloves vulnerable to contamination. Both packaging and donning of sterilized gloves should utilize methods, which eliminate the possibility of post-sterilization contamination. The packaging in which sterilized gloves are sealed should prevent contamination of the gloves during storage and handling. Moreover, the gloves should be disposed in a manner that facilitates their removal from the packaging without difficulty and placement upon the hands of the user without contamination. Additionally, the packaging should be amenable to automated production to achieve acceptably low costs.

Conventional techniques for packaging sterilized gloves have drawbacks in regard to the ease with which the gloves are properly deployed from packaging, the manner in which the gloves are donned by a user and the cost of the packaging. Although their cost is minimal, conventional techniques for packaging polyethylene gloves are not conducive to the packaging of sterile latex-type sterile gloves such as surgical gloves because of the difficulty in maintaining sterility of the gloves during their deployment from the packaging.

In another known packaging form factor, a complex barrier system by which a glove is opened be spreading barrier sheets having opposing surfaces glued to the barrier sheets. In sterile and clean room environments the residual trace of adhesive is unacceptable.

What is desired is a glove dispensing system that facilitates packaging of gloves in a sterile manner and maintaining sterility of the gloves as a user dons them.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The basic inventive concept provides a glove dispensing system that facilitates packaging of gloves in a sterile manner and maintaining sterility of the gloves as a user dons them.

A first aspect of the present invention provides a glove dispensing system including:

-   -   a dispenser housing;     -   at least one pair of spaced-apart platen arms carried by the         dispenser housing;     -   a dispensing space between the at least one pair of platen arms;         at least one glove dispensing tape in the dispenser housing;     -   a plurality of gloves carried by the at least one glove         dispensing tape;     -   a glove dispensing mechanism in the dispenser housing and         adapted to advance the glove dispensing tape from the dispenser         housing into the dispensing space; and     -   wherein the plurality of gloves individually and sequentially         drops from the glove dispensing tape into an open position in         the dispensing space responsive to advancing the glove         dispensing tape into the dispensing space.

In another aspect, a sight slot may be provided in the dispenser housing.

In another aspect, a plurality of glove covers covering said plurality of gloves on said glove dispensing tape.

In another aspect, a pair of idle rollers on said pair of platen arms, respectively, and wherein said at least one glove dispensing tape engages said pair of idle rollers.

In another aspect, a stethoscope cover dispenser may be carried by the dispenser housing.

In another aspect, a tape drive assembly may be carried by the dispenser housing and engaging the at least one glove dispensing tape.

In another aspect, a tape drive motor may drivingly engage the tape drive assembly.

In another aspect, a tape drive crank may drivingly engage the tape drive assembly.

These and other advantages of the invention will be further understood and appreciated by those skilled in the art by reference to the following written description, claims and appended drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 presents an isometric view of a single glove dispensing system;

FIG. 2 presents an isometric view of a multi-glove dispensing system for dispensing single gloves of multiple sizes;

FIG. 3 presents an isometric view of an enhanced glove dispenser for dispensing single gloves of multiple sizes further comprising a stethoscope cover dispenser;

FIG. 4 presents an isometric view of an alternate single glove dispensing system;

FIG. 5 presents an isometric view of a section of the formed, extruded track and wheels of the single glove dispensing system;

FIG. 6 presents a sectioned view of the extruded track and wheel assembly;

FIG. 7 presents an isometric exploded assembly view of the dispensing mechanism of the glove dispensing system;

FIG. 8 presents an isometric sectioned view taken along section 8-8;

FIG. 9 presents an isometric sectioned view taken along section lines 8-8;

FIG. 10 presents an isometric view of a belt-driven track assembly including a glove array;

FIG. 11 presents an isometric view of an array of gloves folded and prepared for dispensing;

FIG. 12 presents an isometric view of an array presenting gloves in pairs, wherein the array is folded and prepared for dispensing;

FIG. 13 presents an isometric view of an array of gloves folded and prepared for dispensing and introducing a cover on a top and bottom of the glove array for sterilization;

FIG. 14 presents a side elevation view illustrating steps of a user inserting the user's hand into a glove;

FIG. 15 presents a top view of a first exemplary embodiment of an array of gloves with a single interconnect provided between each edge of the glove and a respective edge carrier;

FIG. 16 presents a top view of a second exemplary embodiment of an array of gloves with a mesh perforation provided around the periphery of the glove and the carrier;

FIG. 17 presents a top view of a third exemplary embodiment of an array of gloves with the top and bottom of the array covered with a removable covering to provide and maintain sterile packaging;

FIG. 18 presents a sectioned side view of the array excluding any covering for non-sterile applications;

FIG. 19 presents a sectioned side view of the array having a lower covering to provide a sterile exterior glove surface; and

FIG. 20 presents a sectioned side view of the array including an upper and lower covering for sterile applications.

Like reference numerals refer to like parts throughout the various views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is merely exemplary in nature and is not intended to limit the described embodiments or the application and uses of the described embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” or “illustrative” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as “exemplary” or “illustrative” is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. All of the implementations described below are exemplary implementations provided to enable persons skilled in the art to make or use the embodiments of the disclosure and are not intended to limit the scope of the disclosure, which is defined by the claims. For purposes of description herein, the terms “upper”, “lower”, “left”, “rear”, “right”, “front”, “vertical”, “horizontal”, and derivatives thereof shall relate to the invention as oriented in FIG. 1. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. It is also to be understood that the specific devices and processes illustrated in the attached drawings, and described in the following specification, are simply exemplary embodiments of the inventive concepts defined in the appended claims. Hence, specific dimensions and other physical characteristics relating to the embodiments disclosed herein are not to be considered as limiting, unless the claims expressly state otherwise.

Referring initially to FIG. 1 of the drawings, an exemplary embodiment of the glove dispensing system is generally indicated by reference numeral 100. The glove dispensing system 100 includes a dispenser housing 110. In some embodiments, the dispenser housing 100 may have a generally elongated, rectangular configuration, as illustrated. In other embodiments, the dispenser housing 110 may have alternative configurations. The dispenser housing 110 may include a housing interior 116 defined by a pair of generally elongated, parallel, spaced-apart housing side panels 111; a housing front panel 112; a housing rear panel 113; a bottom housing panel 114; and a top housing panel 115. A sight slot 117 may be provided in the dispenser housing 110 for purposes that will be hereinafter described. In some embodiments, the sight slot 117 may be provided through one of the housing side panels 111, as illustrated. In other embodiments, the sight slot 117 may be provided through the housing front panel 112, the housing rear panel 113, the bottom housing panel 114 or the top housing panel 115.

A pair of generally elongated, parallel, spaced-apart platen arms 118 preferably extend from the dispenser housing 110. A dispensing space 120 may be defined by and between the platen arms 118. The dispensing space 120 is disposed in communication with the housing interior 116 of the dispenser housing 110.

A glove dispensing tape assembly 124 is provided in the housing interior 116 of the dispenser housing 110. The glove dispensing tape assembly 124 may include an elongated, flexible, continuous carrier tape 125, which in some embodiments may be folded into a serpentine or accordion-shaped configuration and placed within the housing interior 116. In other embodiments, the carrier tape 125 of the glove dispensing tape assembly 124 may be wound on a roller or spool (not illustrated) or the like in the housing interior 116. Multiple gloves 130 may be provided in series and in a flattened configuration in the carrier tape 125. In some embodiments, each of the gloves 130 may be latex rubber. In some embodiments, a glove cover 126 may be affixed to the carrier tape 125. Each glove cover 126 may seal the corresponding glove 130 in the carrier tape 125. In embodiments in which each glove 130 is a sterilized glove, the glove cover 126 may prevent contamination of each corresponding glove 130 during storage of the gloves 130.

A glove dispensing mechanism (not illustrated) is provided in the housing interior 116 of the dispenser housing 110. The glove dispensing mechanism of the glove dispensing system 100 may be the same or similar in design to the glove dispensing mechanism 444 (FIG. 7) which will be hereinafter described with respect to other embodiments. The glove dispensing mechanism engages the carrier tape 125 of the glove dispensing tape assembly 124, as will be hereinafter described, in such a manner that the glove dispensing mechanism incrementally advances the carrier tape 125 from the housing interior 116 into the dispensing space 120 between the platen arms 118 in increments which correspond to the individual gloves 130 in the carrier tape 125. Accordingly, as the carrier tape 125 is advanced into the dispensing space 120, each sequentially advanced glove 130 drops down and is expanded from the compact, folded or flattened configuration in the carrier tape 125 into a downwardly-extending orientation to facilitate placement of the glove 130 onto the hand 236 (FIG. 2) of a user. As the glove 130 in the carrier tape 125 enters the dispensing space 120, gravity pulls the glove 130 downwardly into a fully-extended position. Simultaneously, the spaced-apart platen arms 118 pull the rim 132 of the glove 130 into an open position for insertion of the user's hand 236 (FIG. 2) into the glove opening 131 of the glove 130. After placement of the user's hand 236 in the glove 130, the user pulls his or her hand with the donned glove 130 from the dispensing space 120 such that the glove 130 is torn away from the carrier tape 125. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the open and downwardly-extending position of the glove 130, afforded by the spaced-apart configuration of the platen arms 118, enables a user to don the glove 130 on his or her hand 236 (FIG. 2) without contamination of the glove 130. After the glove 130 is donned on the hand 236 of the user, the glove dispensing mechanism may advance the spent return tape segment of the carrier tape 125 from which the gloves 130 were removed back into the housing interior 116, where the return tape segment of the carrier tape 125 may be wound on a spool, roller or the like (not illustrated) for removal from the housing interior 116 and ultimately discarded. At least one of the housing side panels 111, the housing front panel 112, the housing rear panel 113, the housing bottom panel 114 and the housing top panel 115 may be selectively removable from the dispenser housing 110 to facilitate removal of the spent or used carrier tape 125 and positioning of a replacement glove dispensing tape assembly 124 in the housing interior 116. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that a user of the glove dispensing system 100 or a service person may observe the inventory of carrier tape 125 which remains in the glove dispensing tape assembly 124 through the sight slot 117. In some embodiments, the glove dispensing mechanism in the housing interior 116 may be sensor-activated. In other embodiments, the glove dispensing mechanism may be switch-activated or may be activated according to any other triggering mechanism known by those skilled in the art.

Referring next to FIG. 2 of the drawings, an illustrative embodiment of a multi-glove dispensing system 200 for dispensing single gloves 230 of multiple sizes includes a dispenser housing 210 which may be sufficiently large to contain multiple glove dispensing mechanisms (such as the glove dispensing mechanism 444 in FIG. 10, which will be hereinafter described). Like features of the multi-glove dispensing system 200 and glove dispensing system 200 are numbered the same except preceded by the numeral ‘2’. Multiple pairs of spaced-apart platen arms 218, each defining a glove opening 231 there between, may extend from the dispenser housing 210. Multiple glove dispensing mechanisms, which correspond to the respective glove openings 231 may be provided in the dispenser housing 210. Accordingly, in some embodiments, the respective glove dispensing mechanisms in the dispenser housing 210 may be adapted to dispense multiple gloves 230 having various sizes into the respective glove openings 231 such as in the manner which was heretofore described with respect to the glove dispensing system 100 in FIG. 1. In some embodiments, the gloves 230 which are dispensed from the respective glove openings 231 may include small gloves 230, medium gloves 230, large gloves 230 and extra large gloves 230 according to the preferences of the user of the gloves 230.

Application of the multi-glove dispensing system 200 may be as was heretofore described with respect to the multi-glove dispensing system 100 in FIG. 1. In application of the multi-glove dispensing system 200 a user may select from among multiple sizes of gloves dispensed into the respective glove openings 231 typically according to the size of the hand of the user. An exemplary technique for donning the gloves 230 on the hand 236 (illustrated in phantom) of a user is further illustrated in FIG. 2. Accordingly, after placement of the user's hand 236 in the glove 230, the user pulls his or her hand 236 with the donned glove 130 from the glove opening 231 such that the glove 230 separates from the carrier tape 125 (FIG. 1).

An enhanced glove dispenser 300 for dispensing single gloves 330 of multiple sizes in addition to stethoscope covers 341, as illustrated in FIG. 3, includes a dispenser housing 210 which may be sufficiently large to contain multiple glove dispensing mechanisms (such as the glove dispensing mechanism 444 in FIG. 10, which will be hereinafter described). Multiple pairs of spaced-apart platen arms 318, each defining a glove opening 331 there between, may extend from the dispenser housing 310. Like features of the enhanced glove dispenser 300 and glove dispensing system 200 are numbered the same except preceded by the numeral ‘3’. Multiple glove dispensing mechanisms which correspond to the respective glove openings 331 may be provided in the dispenser housing 210, as was heretofore described with respect to the glove dispensing system 200 in FIG. 2.

A stethoscope cover dispenser 342 may be included on the dispenser housing 310. The stethoscope cover dispenser 342 may be adapted to sequentially dispense stethoscope covers 341 which are adapted to fit on a stethoscope 140. The stethoscope covers 341 which are dispensed from the stethoscope cover dispenser 342 may be conventional. In some embodiments, the stethoscope cover dispenser 342 may have a design, which is disclosed in Non-Provisional application Ser. No. 12/658,109, which is incorporated by reference herein in its entirety.

An alternative illustrative embodiment is presented in FIGS. 4-10 and 14 and referred to as a glove dispensing system 400. The glove dispensing system 400 may include a dispenser housing 410 fitted with a glove dispensing mechanism 444. As illustrated in FIG. 7, in some embodiments the glove dispensing mechanism 444 may include a drive mechanism bracket 445 which may be mounted in the housing interior 416 (FIG. 4) of the dispenser housing 410 according to the knowledge of those skilled in the art. The drive mechanism bracket 445 may include a pair of generally spaced-apart, parallel side bracket members 446 and a spanning bracket member 447, which connects the side bracket members 446. Aligned axle openings 450 may be provided in the respective side bracket members 446.

A tape drive assembly 470 may be rotatably mounted between the side bracket members 446 of the drive mechanism bracket 445. The tape drive assembly 470 may include a carrier tape collection spool 471. In operation of the glove dispensing system 400, which will be hereinafter described, the spent return tape segment 428 (FIG. 10) of the carrier tape 425 may be wound and collected on the carrier tape collection spool 471. Assembly axles 472 may extend from opposite ends of the carrier tape collection spool 471. The assembly axles 472 may extend through the axle openings 450 in the respective side bracket members 446. A removable assembly axle cap 473 may be provided on each assembly axle 472. Accordingly, the assembly axles 472 rotatably mount the tape drive assembly 470 between the side bracket members 446 of the drive mechanism bracket 445. The assembly axle caps 473 may be selectively removed from the respective assembly axles 472 to facilitate removal of the tape drive assembly 470 from the drive mechanism bracket 445 for the purpose of removing the spent return tape segment 428 (FIG. 10) which is wound on the carrier tape collection spool 471 of the tape drive assembly 470. The carrier tape 425 is preferably provided with a pair of leader strips, which emulate the spent return tape segment 428 and allow for preparation for use without wasting any gloves 430. The leader strip may include a feature to aid in engagement with the carrier tape collection spool 471. Examples include a loop and pin or clip configuration, a slot within the carrier tape collection spool 471, an adhesive, and the like.

An exemplary operational configuration for use and integrated with the glove dispensing system 400 is illustrated in FIG. 10. In some embodiments of the glove dispensing system 400, a tape drive motor 476 drivingly engages the tape drive assembly 470. The tape drive motor 476 may be attached to a motor mount bracket 480 (FIG. 7) which may be mounted in the housing interior 416 of the dispenser housing 410 according to the knowledge of those skilled in the art. The tape drive motor 476 may also be attached to a drive motor flange 475 on the tape drive assembly 470 via fasteners (not illustrated) which are extended through fastener openings 478 in a motor spindle 477 and into respective fastener openings (not illustrated) in the drive motor flange 475. The tape drive motor 476 drivingly engages the assembly axle 472 of the tape drive assembly 470 to facilitate rotation of the tape drive assembly 470 responsive to operation of the tape drive motor 476. In some embodiments, the tape drive motor 476 may be actuated by a manual switch (not illustrated), which may be provided on the exterior surface of the dispenser housing 410 or in any other accessible location. In other embodiments, the tape drive motor 476 may be sensor-actuated. As illustrated in FIG. 4, in some embodiments of the glove dispensing system 400, a tape drive crank 482 having a crank handle 483 may drivingly engage the tape drive assembly 470 (FIG. 10). Accordingly, the crank handle 483 may be rotated by hand to rotate the tape drive assembly 470.

The glove dispensing mechanism 444 may further include a stabilizing assembly 492 as illustrated in FIG. 10, which is disposed adjacent to the tape drive assembly 470. The stabilizing assembly 492 may include a carrier tape guide spool 493. A pair of assembly axles 494 may extend from opposite ends of the carrier tape guide spool 493. In some embodiments, the assembly axles 494 of the tape stabilizing assembly 492 may extend through respective axle openings (not illustrated) in the side bracket members 446 (FIG. 7) of the drive mechanism bracket 445 to rotatably mount the stabilizing assembly 492 in the drive mechanism bracket 445. In other embodiments, the assembly axles 494 may be mounted in axle openings (not illustrated) provided in the housing interior 416 of the dispenser housing 410. An assembly axle cap 495 may be removably fitted on each end of the assembly axle 494 to facilitate selective removal of the stabilizing assembly 492 from the drive mechanism bracket 445. In some embodiments, an assembly band 489 may attach the tape drive assembly 470 and the tape stabilizing assembly 492 to each other. The assembly band 489 may transmit rotation from the tape drive assembly 470 to the tape stabilizing assembly 492 such that the tape stabilizing assembly 492 rotates in concert with the tape drive assembly 470.

In some embodiments, a drive gear (not illustrated) may be provided on the tape drive assembly 470. An idle gear (not illustrated) may be provided on the tape stabilizing assembly 492 in meshing relationship to the drive gear. Accordingly, upon rotation of the tape drive assembly 470, the drive gear transmits rotation to the idle gear such that the tape stabilizing assembly 492 rotates in concert with the tape drive assembly 470.

As further illustrated in FIG. 10, in some embodiments, the glove dispensing mechanism 444 may further include a tape tensioning assembly 496. The tape tensioning assembly 496 may include a generally elongated tensioning assembly rod 497 and a pair of spaced-apart tape rollers 498 on the tensioning assembly rod 497. In some embodiments, the respective ends of the tensioning assembly rod 497 may be rotatably mounted in rod openings (not illustrated) in the dispenser housing 410 (FIG. 4). The tape tensioning assembly 496 may be adapted to tension the carrier tape 425 in the dispenser housing 410 as will be hereinafter further described.

The glove dispensing mechanism 444 may further include a pair of generally elongated, spaced-apart platen arms 456 with a dispensing space 469 (FIG. 4) there between as illustrated in FIG. 7. Each platen arm 456 may include an elongated bottom arm segment 457, which extends from the corresponding side bracket member 446. A top arm segment 458 may be provided on the bottom arm segment 457. In some embodiments, the top arm segment 458 may be attached to the bottom arm segment 457 by extending fasteners 463 through respective fastener openings 462 in the top arm segment 458 and threading the fasteners 463 through corresponding fastener openings 462 in the bottom arm segment 457. In other embodiments, each platen arm 456 may be cast or molded in one piece, as illustrated in FIG. 6.

As further illustrated in FIG. 7, each platen arm 456 may include a proximal arm end 459 and a distal arm end 460. As illustrated in FIG. 6, each platen arm 456 may have an arm interior 468, which extends from the proximal arm end 459 to the distal arm end 460. The platen arms 456 may extend generally outwardly from each other at a pair of respective arm bends 461 generally midway from the proximal arm end 459 to the distal arm end 460.

A pair of spaced-apart roller mount flanges 464 having axle openings 465 may terminate the distal arm end 460 of each bottom arm segment 457. A roller axle 467 may extend through the axle openings 465. An idle roller 466 may be rotatably mounted on each roller axle 467.

The folded, accordion-shaped portion of the carrier tape 425 in the glove dispensing tape assembly 424 is contained in the housing interior 416 of the dispenser housing 410 as illustrated in FIG. 4. The carrier tape 425, as illustrated in FIG. 10, may include a glove carrying segment 429 which extends from the dispenser housing 410 and engages the underside of the carrier tape guide spool 493 of the tape stabilizing assembly 492 and then extends through the arm interiors 468 (FIG. 7) of the respective platen arms 456. As illustrated in FIGS. 6, 8, and 9, a tape slot 490 may extend through the inner portion of each platen arm 456. In some embodiments of the carrier tape 425, a glove-supporting portion 427 of the carrier tape 425 may extend through the tape slots 490 in the respective platen arms 456 between the side portions of the carrier tape 425 which extend through the respective arm interiors 468 of the platen arms 456. The glove carrying segment 429 of the carrier tape 425 extends forwardly around the idle rollers 466 on the respective platen arms 456, where the glove carrying segment 429 transitions into a return tape segment 428. As illustrated in FIG. 10, the return tape segment 428 extends between the tape drive assembly 470 and the tape stabilizing assembly 492 and then rearwardly around the tape rollers 498 of the tape tensioning assembly 496. The return tape segment 428 then extends forwardly from the tape tensioning assembly 496 and is wound on the carrier tape collection spool 471 of the tape drive assembly 470. As illustrated in FIG. 8, in some embodiments, a tape bearing 487 may be provided in each platen arm 456 and the carrier tape 425 may extend through the tape bearing 487. As illustrated in FIG. 9, in other embodiments, the tape bearing 487 may be omitted from each platen arm 456.

In operation of the glove dispensing system 400, the tape drive motor 476 is operated to rotate the tape drive assembly 470 in the direction illustrated in FIG. 10. In alternative embodiments, the crank handle 483 (FIG. 4) of the tape drive crank 482 is manually rotated to rotate the tape drive assembly 470. The tape drive assembly 470 transmits rotation to the tape stabilizing assembly 492 in the opposite direction via the assembly band 489 (FIG. 10) or the drive gear 474 and the meshing idle gear 499 (inset of FIG. 10). Simultaneously, the return tape segment 428 of the carrier tape 425 is wound and collected on the carrier tape collection spool 471 of the tape drive assembly 470. The winding action of the tape drive assembly 470 facilitates advancement of the glove carrying segment 429 of the carrier tape 425 forwardly through the platen arms 456 toward the idle rollers 466. As the carrier tape 425 exits the dispenser housing 410, the gloves 430 sequentially drop by gravity into the dispensing space 469 between the platen arms 456 such that each glove 430 is expanded from the compact, folded or flattened configuration in the carrier tape 425 into a downwardly-extending position to facilitate placement of the glove 430 onto the hand (not illustrated) of a user. As the glove 430 in the carrier tape 425 enters the dispensing space 469, gravity pulls the glove 430 downwardly into a fully-extended position. Simultaneously, the spaced-apart platen arms 456 pull the rim 432 of the glove 430 into an open position for placement of the user's hand into the enlarged glove opening 431 of the glove 430. After placement of the user's hand in the glove 430, the user pulls his or her hand with the donned glove 430 from the dispensing space 469 such that the glove 430 is torn away from the carrier tape 425, as illustrated in FIG. 14. After each glove 430 is donned and removed from the carrier tape 425, the spent return tape segment 428 (FIG. 10) of the carrier tape 425 rotates downwardly and rearwardly around the idle rollers 466, as indicated by the arrows in FIG. 10. The spent return tape segment 428 is advanced rearwardly beneath the platen arms 456 (FIGS. 5 and 6) and between the tape drive assembly 470 and the tape stabilizing assembly 492, around the tape dispensing assembly 496. Finally, the spent return tape segment 428 extends forwardly from the tape stabilizing assembly 492 and is wound on the carrier tape collection spool 471 of the tape drive assembly 470. The travel path 484 of the carrier tape 425 is indicated by the dashed lines in FIG. 7. It will be appreciated by those skilled in the art that the tape drive assembly 470 can be periodically removed from the housing interior 416 of the dispenser housing 410 to facilitate replacement of the glove dispensing tape assembly 424 therein as necessary.

Referring next to FIGS. 11-13 of the drawings, in some embodiments, the glove dispensing tape assembly 524 (FIG. 11) may include a single series of gloves 530 which are sequentially dispensed from the glove dispensing system 400. As illustrated in FIG. 12, in some embodiments, the glove dispensing tape assembly 624 may include a series of rows of two adjacent gloves 530 which are sequentially dispensed from the glove dispensing system 400. Accordingly, the adjacent gloves 530 which are simultaneously dispensed into the dispensing space 469 (FIG. 4) may be donned on the right and left hands, respectively, of a user. As illustrated in FIG. 13, in some embodiments, the glove dispensing tape assembly 724 may include a continuous glove cover strip 726, which covers and seals the gloves 730 in the folded portion of the carrier tape 725. Upon sequential advancement of each glove 730 into the dispensing space 469 (FIG. 4), the glove cover 726 may be removed from the carrier tape 725 to expose the glove 730 for donning by the user.

Referring next to FIGS. 15-17 of the drawings, in some embodiments, the carrier tape 825 (FIG. 15) may include a glove supporting portion 827 which extends between adjacent gloves 830 is confined to each side of the carrier tape 825. The glove supporting portion 827 may impart a generally circular shape to the glove rim 832 of each glove 830. In other embodiments, the carrier tape 925 (FIG. 16) may include a glove supporting portion 927, which extends between adjacent gloves 930 and is confined to each side of the carrier tape 925. The glove supporting portion 927 may impart a generally square or rectangular shape to the glove rim 932 of each glove 930. In still other embodiments (FIG. 17), the carrier tape 1025 may include a glove supporting portion 1027, which spans the width of the carrier tape 1025. The glove rim 1032 of each glove 1030 may have a generally square or rectangular shape.

Referring next to FIG. 18 of the drawings, in some embodiments, each glove 1130 may be disposed in a compressed, compacted configuration in the folded, accordion-shaped portion of the carrier tape 1125. The carrier tape 1125 may have a thin portion 1137, which encircles the glove rim 1132 of each glove 1130. The thin portion 1137 may facilitate easy tearing or detachment of each glove 1130 from the glove supporting portion 1127 of the carrier tape 125 as the gloves 1130 are sequentially dispensed for donning by the wearer.

Referring next to FIG. 19 of the drawings, in some embodiments, each glove 1230 may be enclosed within a bottom glove cover 1233, which is attached to the carrier tape 1225. In some embodiments, a lubricant (not illustrated) may be placed in the enclosure formed by the bottom glove cover 1233 to maintain the glove 1230 in a moist condition during storage.

Referring next to FIG. 20 of the drawings, in some embodiments, each glove 1330 may be enclosed within a bottom glove cover 1333, which is attached to a lower surface of the carrier tape 1125. A top glove cover 1326 may be attached to an upper surface of the carrier tape 1325 to seal the glove 1330 in the enclosure formed by the bottom glove cover 1333. Accordingly, the bottom glove cover 1333 may maintain the glove 1330 in a sterile condition during storage and dispensing of the glove 1330. In some embodiments, a lubricant (not illustrated) may be placed in the bottom glove cover 1333 to maintain the glove 1330 in a moist condition during storage.

Since many modifications, variations, and changes in detail can be made to the described preferred embodiments of the invention, it is intended that all matters in the foregoing description and shown in the accompanying drawings be interpreted as illustrative and not in a limiting sense. Thus, the scope of the invention should be determined by the appended claims and their legal equivalence. 

1. A glove dispensing system, comprising: a dispenser housing; at least one pair of spaced-apart platen arms carried by said dispenser housing; a dispensing space between said at least one pair of platen arms; at least one glove dispensing tape in said dispenser housing; a plurality of gloves carried by said at least one glove dispensing tape; a glove dispensing mechanism in said dispenser housing and adapted to advance said glove dispensing tape from said dispenser housing into said dispensing space; and wherein said plurality of gloves individually and sequentially drops from said glove dispensing tape into an open position in said dispensing space responsive to advancing said glove dispensing tape into said dispensing space.
 2. The glove dispensing system of claim 1 further comprising a sight slot in said dispenser housing.
 3. The glove dispensing system of claim 1 further comprising a plurality of glove covers covering said plurality of gloves on said glove dispensing tape.
 4. The glove dispensing system of claim 1 further comprising a pair of idle rollers on said pair of platen arms, respectively, and wherein said at least one glove dispensing tape engages said pair of idle rollers.
 5. The glove dispensing system of claim 1 further comprising a stethoscope cover dispenser carried by said dispenser housing.
 6. The glove dispensing system of claim 1 further comprising a tape drive assembly carried by said dispenser housing and engaging said at least one glove dispensing tape.
 7. The glove dispensing system of claim 6 further comprising a tape drive motor drivingly engaging said tape drive assembly.
 8. The glove dispensing system of claim 6 further comprising a tape drive crank drivingly engaging said tape drive assembly.
 9. A glove dispensing system, comprising: a dispenser housing; at least one pair of spaced-apart platen arms carried by said dispenser housing; a dispensing space between said at least one pair of platen arms; at least one glove dispensing tape assembly having a glove dispensing tape with a multi-folded configuration in said dispenser housing; a plurality of gloves carried by said at least one glove dispensing tape and disposed in a substantially flat and compact configuration in said dispenser housing; a glove dispensing mechanism in said dispenser housing and adapted to advance said glove dispensing tape from said dispenser housing into said dispensing space; and wherein said plurality of gloves individually and sequentially drops from said glove dispensing tape into an open, extended position in said dispensing space responsive to advancing said glove dispensing tape into said dispensing space.
 10. The glove dispensing system of claim 9 further comprising a sight slot in said dispenser housing.
 11. The glove dispensing system of claim 9 further comprising a plurality of glove covers covering said plurality of gloves on said glove dispensing tape.
 12. The glove dispensing system of claim 9 further comprising a pair of idle rollers on said pair of platen arms, respectively, and wherein said at least one glove dispensing tape engages said pair of idle rollers.
 13. The glove dispensing system of claim 9 further comprising a stethoscope cover dispenser carried by said dispenser housing.
 14. The glove dispensing system of claim 9 further comprising a tape drive assembly carried by said dispenser housing and engaging said at least one glove dispensing tape.
 15. The glove dispensing system of claim 14 further comprising a tape drive motor drivingly engaging said tape drive assembly.
 16. The glove dispensing system of claim 14 further comprising a tape drive crank drivingly engaging said tape drive assembly.
 17. A glove dispensing system, comprising: a dispenser housing; a pair of spaced-apart platen arms carried by said dispenser housing; a dispensing space between said pair of platen arms; a glove dispensing mechanism in said dispenser housing and including: a tape drive assembly; and at least one of a tape drive motor and a tape drive crank drivingly engaging said tape drive assembly; wherein said glove dispensing mechanism is adapted to advance said glove dispensing tape from said dispenser housing into said dispensing space; at least one glove dispensing tape assembly having a glove dispensing tape with a multi-folded configuration in said dispenser housing, said glove dispensing tape engaged by said tape drive assembly of said glove dispensing mechanism and extending from said multi-folded configuration and from said dispenser housing along said pair of spaced-apart platen arms; and a plurality of gloves carried by said at least one glove dispensing tape and disposed in a substantially flat and compact configuration in said dispenser housing and in an open, extended position in said dispensing space.
 18. The glove dispensing system of claim 17 wherein each of said pair of spaced-apart platen arms comprises an arm interior and wherein said glove dispensing tape extends through said arm interior.
 19. The glove dispensing system of claim 17 wherein said glove dispensing tape assembly further comprises a tape stabilizing assembly drivingly engaged by and adjacent to said tape drive assembly and wherein said carrier tape extends between said tape drive assembly and said tape stabilizing assembly.
 20. The glove dispensing system of claim 19 wherein said glove dispensing tape assembly further includes a tape tensioning assembly disposed in spaced-apart relationship to said tape drive assembly and wherein said carrier tape engages said tape tensioning assembly. 